eMusic Review 0
Minimal house producers generally seek to mimic silicon chips (their smallness, their futurism), but Theo Parrish takes a holistic approach. Under the broad umbrellas of minimal and house, he synthesizes nature, the history of rhythm, the cityscapes of Detroit and Chicago and the plastic through which he processes his music, and tethers his expansive vision to no paradigm.
Initially pressed to 1,000 dub plates in Y2K on his own Sound Signature label, Parallel Dimensions was re-released in 2004 thanks to Parrish's legendary status as a producer and DJ. It's an early example of his fine ear, a gorgeous assemblage of technology and earthly delights where even his space-ghost sounds sound sprouted from the sands whence they came. With a subtle and painstaking hand, Parrish nestles echoes of dub, jazz melodies, African drum patterns and harmonies (the terrific "Serengeti Echoes"), in a quiet build, delicately blanketing house's 4/4 dogma with finger-snapping, mouth-clicking polyrhythms.
Parrish is very much in his own mind, composing from his soul, but leaving audio shrines to those folks who made it possible for him to be here tonight. On the breathy "Summertime Is Here," he alludes to the diva vocals of deep house; a woman sings lyrics from Marvin… read more »
